Question

Compare and contrast the processes of nuclear fission and fusion, showing similarities and differences. Describe which, if any, of these processes is naturally occurring. If so, where?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation

Define nuclear fusion and nuclear fission

Nuclear fusion is defined as a type of nuclear reaction in which two or more stable lighter nuclei fused together to produce a larger nuclei with the release of large amount of energy

Nuclear fission is defined as a type of nuclear reaction in which a heavy nuclei is split into two or more stable lighter nuclei with the release of large amount of energy

Based on the definition given, we can deduce that the major difference between nuclear fusion and fission is that,

Nuclear fusion combined two or more stable lighter nuclei to produce larger nuclei

WHILE

Nuclear fission split to produce two or more stable lighter nuclei

The major similarity between the nuclear fission and fusion is that, both reaction releases large amount of energy.